I need to talk to a lawyer about a gun issue. Where do I turn?

There are several sources out there to help you find an attorney who knows gun issues. You can call the NRA, visit the Ohioans For Concealed Carry Attorney Directory, or do a web search. Personally, when I have a question, I call my friend Attorney Derek DeBrosse.

How do I apply for a concealed handgun license (CHL) in Ohio?

You must apply to the sheriff of your county of residence or in an adjacent county. You must have taken a 12-hour training course, submit an application, be fingerprinted, pay the application fee, submit a recent photograph, and pass a background check. You should visit the website of the sheriff where you're planning to apply for more information.

Do all courses offered by Northcoast Firearms Training meet the requirements for an Ohio CHL?

No. Certain courses do not meet the requirements specified by Ohio law. Only the Ohio Concealed Carry Course and the Recertification course meet those requirements.

How long is training valid for applying for an Ohio CHL?

You must apply for your Ohio concealed handgun license within three years of receiving certification.

How do I renew my concealed handgun license?

For your first renewal, simply show your current or expired concealed handgun license. For each subsequent renewal, you must submit proof of range competency recertification.

What places are off limits to concealed carry?

Police stations

Sheriffs' offices

Highway Patrol posts

Premises controlled by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation

Correctional institutions or other detention facilities

Airport terminals or commercial airplanes

Institutions for the care of mentally ill persons

Courthouses or buildings in which a courtroom is located

Universities, unless locked in a motor vehicle or in the process of being locked in a motor vehicle

Places of worship, unless the place of worship permits otherwise

Child day-care centers

Licensed D-Liquor Permit premises in which any person is consuming liquor. Concealed firearms are banned in premises for which a D permit has been issued or in an open air arena for which a permit of that nature has been issued. There are some exceptions to this prohibition. The prohibition does not apply to principal holder of D permit as long as principal holder is not consuming liquor. The prohibition does not apply to an agent or employee of the principal holder who is also a peace officer who is also off duty. Possession of a concealed firearm is allowed in a retail store with a D-6 or D-8 permit as long as concealed carry license holder is not consuming liquor. Class D permits are generally issued to an establishment that sells alcohol for consumption on the premises. In any event, be certain of the type of permit and whether liquor is being consumed before you enter with a concealed handgun

Government facilities that are not used primarily as a shelter, restroom, parking facility for motor vehicles, or rest facility and is not a courthouse or a building or structure in which a courtroom is located

School safety zones. A "school safety zone" includes a school, school building, school premises, school activity, and school bus. For purposes of this statute, a school includes everything up to the property boundary. The law generally forbids the carrying of a handgun in a school safety zone unless all of the following apply:

You do not enter a school building, premises or activity; and

You have a concealed carry license or temporary emergency license; and

You are not otherwise in one of the forbidden places listed above and detailed in R.C. 2923.126 (B); or

You are a driver or passenger in a motor vehicle immediately in the process of picking up or dropping off a child, and you are not otherwise in violation of the laws governing transportation of firearms in motor vehicles.

Any private business who chooses to prohibit the carrying of firearms

Can I carry my concealed handgun in other states?

If that state recognizes Ohio's Concealed Handgun License or has a reciprocity agreement with Ohio. For current reciprocity agreements, please visit the Ohio Attorney General's website.

What should I do if stopped by a law enforcement officer?

If you are stopped by any law enforcement officer for a law enforcement purpose you must promptly inform the officer that you are carrying a concealed handgun. In addition, you must not grasp or attempt to grasp your firearm unless instructed to do so and keep your hands in plain sight. If you are in a motor vehicle, you must remain in the motor vehicle unless instructed to exit by the officer.

What are the rules for a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle?

Only a person with a concealed handgun license can have a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle, and it must be transported in one of the following ways:

The loaded handgun is in a holster secured on the person.

The loaded handgun is in a closed case, bag, box, or other container that is in plain sight and that has a lid, a cover, or a closing mechanism with a zipper, snap, or buckle, which lid, cover or closing mechanism must be opened for a person to gain access to the handgun, or

The loaded handgun is securely encased by being stored in a closed, glove compartment or console, or in a case that is locked.

What are the pre-requisites for becoming a certified NRA instructor?

The NRA requires that "candidates must possess and demonstrate a solid background in firearm safety and shooting skills acquired through previous firearm training and/or previous shooting experience. Instructor candidates must be intimately familiar with each action type in the discipline they wish to be certified." This means extensive knowledge of firearms and firearm safety through previous firearm training or from shooting experience.

This doesn't mean going to the range a few times a year, taking a ccw course, and assuming you're qualified to be an instructor! Generally, you should have received high level professional training or coaching from the NRA, military, law enforcement, competition experience (like IPSC or IDPA), etc. You can't teach what you don't know!

Here are some examples of skills you should have mastered before applying to be a NRA instructor:

Intimate familiarity with the NRA rules of gun safety

Know the difference between SA/DA/DAO actions

Demonstrate the proper techniques for loading and unloading a single action revolver, double action revolver, and a semi-automatic pistol

Explain the differences between full metal jacket and jacketed hollow points and the pros and cons of each

Demonstrate the initial steps you should take to clear a pistol malfunction

Know how to clear a stovepipe

Know how to clear a double feed

Explain the difference between a misfire, hangfire, and squib load as well as how to address each one

Know how to field strip various handgun types

Know how to diagnose common difficulties beginning shooters can have and how to correct them

Demonstrate the Isosceles and Weaver stances and the pros and cons of each

Know how caliber is measured

Have the marksmanship to hit a 9" target from 15 yards with no more than a 6" group

Have a working knowledge of Ohio's gun and self-defense laws

In addition, it is recommended that you have completed the NRA Basic Pistol course, have a concealed handgun license, and be a member of the NRA.